Here is another thought. In the 2 - 4 nights you have budgeted for your Northern Territory outback experience in Coober Pedy, why not go to Alice Springs instead? It's much easier to get there, cheaper than Uluru and there is plenty to see. One of our most memorable experiences was having a camel ride along the banks of the "mighty" Todd River. There is also the Alice Springs Desert Park, the Telegraph Station, the School of the Air, plus stunning landscapes.

Of course, the temperatures are blazing hot. Oh yes, the flies too. Did anyone mention them yet? Nevertheless, this is a great outback destination.


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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

You can "do" an outback experience from the GBR, either via the Savannaland train OR going out to the Undarra Lava Tubes OR driving to Cooktown and popping into Hopetown ( an Aboriginal town which, presumably is still there).
How can I get you to understand that the GBR is not about " (swimming in open, "wild" waters gives him the willies". Its about the rainforests there, the flora, the fauna, the lakes, the rivers, the aboriginal experience, sitting in a semi sub looking at the beautiful marine life without ever getting in the water, its the islands, its the tropics, the food, the lifestyle and finally its the animals.
Picture yourself telling everyone not to go to Seattle if they don't snow ski - does that makes sense? I think you need to do some education on your boyfriend. I truely think you will be disappointed in the Adelaide festival but then that's just me.

MaryD2: Okay, I can see you're just not on board with what I'm dealing with. My boyfriend will not be participating in my snorkel/dive adventure (other supporting my interest by being on the boat for the ride and above water scenenry), but I'm hoping he will enjoy the other half of that GBR/Cairns trip -- just being in town and the rainforest/skyrail portion. HOWEVER, he is already concerned that the updated itinerary is already more "nature-oriented" than he's interested in. There will be no elimination of Adelaide, unless I eliminate my boyfriend. I know some on this forum wouldn't see a problem with that, but I'd prefer he were with me.

If you are already considering going to Coober Pedy you could go even further and visit Ernabella, which is an Aboriginal Arts Centre. A friend worked there and loved it. You do need to get a permit, this might also help your nature/culture balance.

http://www.ernabellaarts.com.au/mainpages/about.html

Also while in Adelaide, South Australian Museum also has an amazing Aboriginal Cultures Gallery.

Narnya, I am sure that your boyfriend has a lot more going for him and you certainly must keep him otherwise you will have to carry the bags and that can be tedious :0)

Thoughts about nixing Coober Pedy days and replacing with a quick jaunt toward Broken Hill and Silverton?

MaryD2: Thanks. ;-)